What is malware?

Malware, short for malicious software, is specifically created to harm, exploit, or illegally access devices, networks, or systems. This type of software can come in various forms, such as viruses, worms, ransomware, spyware, and Trojans, all of which have harmful intentions.

In the context of cybersecurity, understanding malware is crucial because it poses a significant threat to individuals and organizations by compromising data integrity, stealing sensitive information, and damaging systems. This distinguishes it clearly from software designed for beneficial purposes, like enhancing performance or providing system utilities.

The focus of malware is the harmful impact it has, making this definition accurate and directly aligned with its purpose and functionality.